'Linsanity' Movie Trailer Released: Documentary Highlights Jeremy Lin's Unlikely Journey to Stardom [VIDEO]
Jeremy Lin's biggest fans are in for quite a treat this fall as a new "Linsanity" documentary will launch in theaters in major markets Oct. 4.
The documentary, which has already seen very positive reviews from film critics, digs deeper into the "Linsanity" craze by highlighting the NBA star's journey to stardom and the obstacles he faced along the way. The film's official trailer was released yesterday and is just shy of 100,000 views within 24 hours.
While the film has had positive reviews up to this point, the overall reception could hinge on his public image in the upcoming NBA season. If the second-year Rockets guard struggles for the second year in a row, will fans start to look at Lin as a one-year wonder? The value of the film seems to be at a fragile point considering that Lin is not only still playing but he is still in the early stages of his career.
Nevertheless, the film specifically focuses on a point of time in his career that has already made the history books. A young basketball player fights discrimination, stereotypes, and ultimately beats the odds to become an NBA sensation. He became the first American-born person of Taiwanese or Chinese descent to play in the NBA.
Perhaps the best part about the documentary is that the filmmaker started tracking Lin even before he ever slipped on an NBA jersey. Lin apparently was already being tracked for this film before he reached stardom. Also included in the film are clips from Lin's early days playing basketball in high school.
Not surprisingly, the film also touches on Lin's Christian faith; Linsanity has always been very open about his religious beliefs. In a film review for ESPN.com, Robert Silverman said that the religious aspect of the film plays a significant role.
"Beyond the improbable set of circumstances that surrounded Lin's rise to superstardom, the overriding theme that pervades the film is that Jeremy Lin's magical ride would not have occurred if not for his devout faith in God," Silverman said.
Lin, who attended a screening of the film earlier in the year, is currently in China to help oversee and run youth basketball camps.